The Israeli military has been tested through the entire range of conflict from the conventional to the asymmetric since its inception in May 1948 to the present day. In the process, it has become one of the most powerful military forces in West Asia, with a reputation to match. Not many are aware that Indian Jews, notably the Bene Israelis, have served with distinction under Indian chieftains as well as the East India Company a few hundred years ago. This military tradition ensured that despite rapidly dwindling numbers post-independence, some Indian Jews continued to serve the Indian Army and contribute towards its higher military leadership.